Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves.

President Lyndon Johnson, declared Waterloo, N.Y. as the official birthplace of Memorial Day, because on May 5, 1866, the town had made Memorial Day an annual, community-wide event.

It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers.

Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Randy Morris of Athens gave a speech at the West Union Street Cemetery in Athens, and says he wants people to "remember the day."

Col. Randy Morris of Athens talks about why people should remember on Memorial Day.

In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May.

Memorial Day Today

Today, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave.

Also, the president or vice-president usually gives a speech honoring the contributions of the dead and places a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.